Ryk - Posted - 09/08/2016:  12:24:38

Hi and thank you for any help right up front.

I just got a wonderful '27 B&D Silver Belle 1 Tenor.  I'm in the process of cleaning this treasure up and was wondering what to use to clean the peghead, where the inlay has yellowed, back to its original white.

Is there any way to flatten out an old pickguard?  A search on the web didn't give much hope.

The only thing not original on this instrument is the armrest.  The only source i could locate was Tom Campbell but it was the rest only and needed the mounting hardware.  Any other sources?

Many thanks for your help ... Ryk

Fathand - Posted - 09/08/2016:  12:45:31

If it is varnished or lacquered then it could be the finish colour has yellowed and not the inlays. Refinishing is generally a no-no as far as financial value goes.

If the inlay was originally white (some pearl inlay is goldish or other colours) and there is no lacquer or varnish on it, then it could be sanded back to normal with some wet sandpaper maybe #600 - #1000.

Ryk - Posted - 09/08/2016:  13:25:10

Thanks Rick ...... Someone else mentioned the "Antiques Roadshow" part of the equation. I'll just clean it up and let it go.

the other Ryk

TLG - Posted - 09/08/2016:  13:28:17

RYK,
K T Bone has a lot of old B&D hardware from time to time. He usually sells on eBay. Or Vinnie (here) has some B&D stuff.

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 09/09/2016:  12:48:42

As far as flattening the pickguard, it would help to know what it is made of, metal, celluloid, or? It it's celluloid is most likely hopeless.

Pickguards were after market add-ons in most cases, anyway.

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 09/10/2016:  05:43:03

Ryk,

Two options:

- if the peghead has been refinished in the past - often with a mistaken staining of the MOP - only a complete sanding-off of the lacquer and stain will do the trick - afterwards you´ll have to give it some fresh coats of clear lacquer.

- if it has the original lacquer/varnish - this will be very cracked and brittle over the inlays - in fact easily to be removed with a thumb nail or a small scraper - do afterwards use some 0000 steel wool for smoothening and do finally polish it with a suitable wax - that´s all. I´ve done so on numerous B&D´s.

As for the Elton pick-guard - an aftermarket feature - you´ll have three options:

- throw it away - it´s of no use for modern playing

- if it´s made of metal - it can be rolled back to flat - however only pros do normally have a roller large enough for this

- if it´s made of Pyralin - do use the wifes iron - with care - this celluloid material can easily be formed when heated to a certain degree.

Polle